Container filling machine



June 20, 1967 F. W. VILLEMURE CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE Filed March l, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet l l I zit-Z5# 9 3l 6 L@ liz f 5 Y 5 la# nl 20 65 5 n i- .JB- o o l5l 82 v 65 4 185 l /52 84 76 +r 1B i 8l n 7@ 85 7c, @I 75 E I9 4 r: E M g .3112 f" lo? I, E /f 4b M h/ Z4" '-lr l.

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CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE Filed March l, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet .5

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CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE Filed March 1, 1965 V 9 sheets-sheer United States Patent 3,326,249 CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE Fred W. Villemure, Rockford, Ill., assignor to Anderson Bros. Mfg. Co., Rockford, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Mar. 1, 1965, Ser. No. 435,804 18 Claims. (Cl. 141-131) This invention relates to -container filling apparatus and particularly to .an apparatus for filling containers with a fluent material.

The present invention is directed to improvements in container filling apparatus of the type shown in the .patent to S. F. Anderson et al., No. 3,103,959 and the patent to R. F. Anderson et al. No. 3,159,189. In general, those filling machines include a nozzlefor dispensing a fluent material; an apparatus for intermittently elevating containers into filling position at the nozzle; apparatus for supporting containers lduring filling; and outlet transfer mechanism for moving the filled containers crosswise of the nozzle and -away from the filling station.

In filling apparatus of this type, fluent material is continuously fed to the nozzle `and the filling apparatus cycles at a speed determined by the speed at which the containers are filled at the nozzle. As the rate of flow of material to the nozzle is increased, the -cycle time for removing the filled container and elevating a succeeding empty container, is decreased. The elevating means can operate to elevate an empty container to the nozzle only :after the empty container has been vmoved away from the nozzle, and the elevating means must then retract before the container carried on the elevator is filled. Problems were encountered in maintaining proper timed operation of the prior filling apparatus of this type at high filling speeds. In addtiion, the elevating means in the filling apparatus also functions to raise the apparatus which supports the container during filling and in the prior filling apparatus problems were also encountered because of the tendency of the container support means to bounce or oscillate when actuated by the elevator means.

An important object of this invention is to provide `a container filling `apparatus of the type described capable of high speed operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a container filling apparatus of the type described having an improved arrangement for driving the container elevating means to assure reliable operation of the elevating means in proper timed relation with the outlet transfer mechamsm.

Another object of this invention is to provide a filling apparatus in `accordance with the foregoing object in which the elevator drive is so arranged as to minimize bounce or oscillation of the .apparatus that supports the containers during filling.

Yet another object `of this invention is to provide a container filling apparatus for filling containers having a hinged cover flap on the top and which container filling apparatus has `an improved arrangement for depressing the cover flap during movement of the container crosswise of the nozzle to prevent the cover fiap from striking the material as it emerges from the nozzle.

A further object of this invention is to provide a container filling apparatus of the type having a container elevating means for elevating a container to the nozzle 'and a separate vertically movable container support means for supporting a container during filling, land having an improved arrangement for controlling vertical movement of the container support means to prevent spurious oscillation of the latter.

Yet :another object of this invention is to provide a container filling apparatus of the type described in which the apparatus which supports the containers during filling Patented June 20, 1967 ICC is adjustably counterbalanced and in which the adjustment of the counterbalance can be effected while the machine is in operation to achieve accurate control of filling.

These, together with other advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front view of the container filling apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a view of one side of the container filling apparatus with parts broken away :and shown in section along line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the plane FIG. 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the plane 6 6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View through the filling machine with parts broken away and shown in section to illustrate `details of the construction;

FIG. 8 is a fragmnetary view taken on the plane of FIG. 7 and illust-rating the parts in a moved position thereof;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken on the plane 9 9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the plane 10-10 of FIG .7;

FIG, 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the plane 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the electrical controls for the filling machine;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a container of the type adapted to be filled by the present filling machine;

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 are diagrammatic views illustrating different moved positions of 4the container filling apparatus; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing one of the carton engaging fingers.

The filling apparatus of the present invention is generally vadapted for use in filling containers with fiuent materials. The embodiment of the invention herein disclosed is specifically designed for filling containers with semi-solid or plastic materials such as ice cream, sherbet and the like, and is hereinafter described in connection with the filling of such materials. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as limited to use in filling containers with any specific material. In general, the container filling machine includes a support frame 15, a nozzle 16, an elevator mechanism' 17 for raising a container into filling position around the nozzle, a container support mechanism 18 for supporting the container during filling; inlet container feed mechanism 19 for supporting the containers as they are advanced to the filling machine, and an outlet conveyor mechanism 20 for moving filled containers crosswise of the nozzle and away from the filling station. The outlet conveyor 20 is arranged to move the filled container rcrosswise of the nozzle when the upper edge of the container is disposed adjacent the level of the underside of the nozzle to shear off the material in the container from the material in the nozzle and the elevator 17 is normally spaced below the outlet conveyor mechanism a distance greater than the height of a container to allow a succeeding empty container to move into position on the elevator before the filled container has been moved completely away from the' filling station.

A container designated X of the type adapted to be filled by the filling apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 13 and in general, includes a lbottom wall a, spaced side walls b and c, end walls d and e and a cover or closure flap f. Obviously, the proportions and size of the :container can be varied widely, as well as the manner in which the various walls are formed and joined. While the container is shown with a single top closure flap, aditional flaps can be employed on the other side wall and/or on the other end walls if desired. As shown, flaps g1-g3 are provided on the edges of the top flap and arranged to be folded down and sealed to the side and end walls of the container.

The support frame 16 includes a front wall 21, a rear wall 22, spaced side walls 23 and 24 and a top wall 25. The various walls may be attached and supported in any desired manner and, as shown, are joined to bottom, upright and top angle members designated 26, 27 and 28. The several angle members 26-28 are preferably welded together to form a rigid support frame to which the front, rear, side and top walls are attached and which also supports the operating mechanism described hereinafter.

The nozzle 16 is supported above the top wall 25 of the support frame and, as shown, is mounted on a generally U-shaped bridge member or yoke 31 which is attached to the top wall adjacent each end and which arches upwardly from the top wall. A nozzle mounting plate 32 is removably attached to the bridge member 31 as by thumb screws 33, and the nozzle mounting plate extends forwardly from the bridge 31 as shown in FIG. 2. The nozzle 16 is removably attached to the plate 32 as by fasteners 34 and extends downwardly adjacent the front side of the filling machine. The fluent material, such as the aforementioned plastic or semi-solid ice cream, sherbet or the like, is supplied to the nozzle 16 through one or more conduits 36 which are connected to the nozzle 16 -by fittings 37 and which extend to remote freezers (not shown).

The container elevating mechanism 17 is disposed at the front side of the lling machine and includes a generally horizontally disposed container support platform 41, conveniently formed of spaced rods. A container stop 42 is attached to the rear end of the platform 41 and extends upwardly therefrom, and the rods which form the platform `are conveniently bent downwardly at their forward ends to form a forward container stop 43 for interrupting the advance of succeeding containers when the elevator is raised. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, a slide member 44 is mounted at the front of the machine for vertical sliding movement and has a lforwardly projecting arm 45. The carton support platform 41 is mounted on the arm 45 by a generally T-shaped bracket 46, and the lower ends of the forward carton stops 43 are similarly attached to the end of the arm 45 by a T-shaped bracket 47.

In the container filling machine of the present invention, the elevator 17 must move through a relatively long stroke from a lower position spaced a substantial distance below the nozzle to a raised position to elevate a container into telescoping relation with the nozzle and then back to its lower position to receive a succeeding empty container. Moreover, the elevator must be returned to its lower position in somewhat less time than is required to fill the elevated container, so as to avoid interference between the elevating means and the outlet conveyor mechanism which moves the filled container across the nozzle and out of the machine. In high speed filling operations, difficulties have been encountered in maintaining the proper timed relation between the movement of the elevator and the outlet conveyor. In addition, the elevating mechanism also operates to raise the carton support which supports the carton during lling and problems have been encountered in the form of spurious oscillations of the vertically movable carton support, when the latter is elevated rapidly by the container elevator mechanism. The elevator drive mechanism ofthe present invention facilitates operation of the elevator and conveyor in proper timed relation and, further, controls the speed of movement of the elevator at the end of its stroke to minimize bounce and oscillation of the elevator and container support apparatus.

The mechanism for raising and lowering the elevator is disposed inside the housing and includes a one revolution clutch mechanism 51 having an input shaft 52 connected to a drive motor 53 through a belt 54. The one revolution clutch also has an output shaft 55 which is driven through one revolution, each time the clutch is actuated by an electro-responsive actuator 56 (see FIG. 12). An eccentric 55a is connected to the output shaft 5S of the clutch 51 and is operatively connected to the slide 44 to sequentially raise and lower the elevator 17. As best shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 11, the eccentric includes a crank attached to the -output shaft 55 and an eccentric pin 57 on the crank, which eccentric pin is connected through a link 58 to a slide bracket 59 connected to the slide 44. The crank 55a is normally disposed in the position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 when the clutch 51 is disengaged, and the clutch operates to rotate the crank from the lower position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 to a raised position as shown in FIG. 7 land back to its lowered position each time the clutch is actuated. As will be seen, the vertical movement of the slide 44 varies as the sine of the angular displacement of the crank from its normal position shown in FIGS. 10` and 11, and the vertical speed is accordingly a minimum at the top and bottom of the stroke and is a maximum intermediate the upper and lower limits of the stroke of the slide. This construction therefore provides progressive reduction in the speed of movement of the slide as it approaches its fully raised position and minimizes the problems of bounce and spurious oscillation of the elevator mechanism and the carton support mechanism. The one revolution clutch disengages just prior to return of the crank to its initial position shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and a means is provided to retard movement of the crank. As shown, this means includes a damping cylinder 62 mounted at its lower end 63 on the frame, and a piston 64 slidable in the cylinder and connected as at 65 to the slide bracket 59. The damping cylinder is preferably arranged to provide relatively free upward movement of the 'slide 44 and to provide damping action only on the downstroke, and for this purpose, a check valve 67 is provided on the damping cylinder and arranged to open when the piston is raised and to close as the piston is lowered to damp downward movement. Any suitable means may be provided for controlling the damping action of the cylinder and may, for example, comprise an adjustable orice in the check valve 67 to allow the `air to escape at a controlled rate during downward movement of the piston. A guide is provided for the slide bracket 5,9, and, as shown, includes a post 69 mounted by a bracket 70 on a support member 71 attached to the main frame. A sleeve 72 is slidably supported on the post and is attached to the slide bracket 59 to guide the same during raising and lowering of the elevator. A means, described hereinafter, is provided for operating the elevator drive clutch 51 in timed relation with the movement of the outlet conveyor mechanism.

Any suitable mechanism (not shown) may be provided for advancing empty containers onto the elevator when the latter is lowered and may, for example, be of the type disclosed in the aforementioned Patent No. 3,159,189 to which reference is hereby made for a more complete description. In the embodiment illustrated, the inlet container support 19 includes spaced carton support rails 74 which underlie and support the containers as they are advanced onto the elevator, and lateral container guide rails 75 which engage the sides of the empty containers to laterally guide the same. In addition, cover deecting fingers 76 are mounted to extend into the path of movement of the covers f on the empty containers X to deflect the same to a fully open position and to assure that the covers do not overlie the top of the empty container and engage the nozzle when it is elevated.

The elevating mechanism moves the empty container into position around the nozzle 16 and the container moves downwardly as it is lled by the material from the nozzle. The container support mechanism 18 is arranged to support the elevated container and to allow it to move downwardly during filling. As more fully disclosed in the aforementioned Patent 3,159,189, the container support mechanism includes a pair of support members 78, one adjacent each end of the container. The support members 78 are mounted for movement laterally apart to allow a container to move upwardly therebetween and are conveniently pivotally supported by a horizontally extending pin 79 on opposite legs of a generally U-shaped bracket 81, as shown in FIG. l. The container support members have a generally horizontal container support ledge 82 arranged to underlie and support the container and a cam face 83 shaped to engage the container and separate the support members as the container moves upwardly therebetween. The support members are yieldably moved inwardly into underlying relation to the elevated container as by a spring 84 which is terminally attached to the support members 7 8.

The container support members 78 are mounted `for limited vertical movement to permit the container to move downwardly during filling. The mounting means for the container support member 78 is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 and includes a pair of levers 88 which are pivotally supported on a shaft 89 carried by a bracket 91 secured to the housing. The levers 88 extend forwardly from the shaft 89 through openings in the front wall of the housing and are connected by brackets 87 to the U- shaped frame 81. For reasons set forth hereinafter, provision is made for substantially counterbalancing the weight of the container support members 78 and the mounting bracket 81. As best shown, in FIGS. 2 and 7, the counterbalancing means includes arms 97 which are non-rotatably connected to the levers 88 and project rearwardly from the shaft 89. A counterweight 98 is attached to the arms 97 and is adjustable longitudinally thereof to a position in which the weight substantially counterbalances the iaforedescribcd levers 88 and container support members 78. The counterweight controls downward movement of the container support members 78 and the container X as t is filled, and thus regulates the amount of material in each container. Since the consistency of the frozen confection from the freezer varies from time to time, it.

is advantageous to adjust the counterbalance while the filling apparatus is in operation to maintain uniformity in filling. The counterbalance adjusting mechanism includes a shaft 99 (FIG. 9) rotatable about the axis of the shaft 89 and extending out through the side of the housing with an adjusting knob or handle 100 on the outer end. Since the adjusting shaft 99 is coaxial with support shaft 89, it does not interfere with free swinging movement of the support levers 88. A means is provided for operatively connecting the shaft 99 to the weight 98 to adjust the latter in response to turning of the shaft. In the embodiment shown, this includes a sprocket 101 on `the shaft 99, which sprocket is connected through a chain 102 to a sprocket 103 on a shaft 104. Chains 105 are entrained over sprockets 106 on opposite ends of the shaft 104 and over idler sprockets 108 at the other end of the arms 97 and the chains are terminally attached to the counterweight 98 to move the same along the arms and adjust the counterbalance in response to rotation of the shaft. Other arrangements may be provided, if de sired, for connecting the shaft 99 to the counterweight to adjust the same. As shown in FIGS. l and 2, stops 109 are mounted on brackets carried by the main support frame and positioned to engage the levers 88 to limit downward movement of the container support members 78 to a preselected lower position in which the top of a container supported on the support members is disposed at the level of the mouth of the nozzle 16.

As the container on the support members 78 is filled, it moves downwardly until it reaches a preselected lower position in which the upper edge of the container is disposed closely adjacent the underside of the nozzle. At that time, apparatus described hereinafter is provided for moving the filled container crosswise of the nozzle to shear the material in the container from the material emerging from the nozzle. The container moves downwardly during filling under the weight of the material in the container and to some extent by the pressure exerted on the container by the material in the nozzle. As a supplemental control to aid in regulating the amount of material dispensed into the container, `and to also inhibit free oscillation of the counterbalanced support means, a brake apparatus is provided. The levers 88 only move through a very small angle between the lowered and the raised positions of the carton support members, and the brake apparatus of the present invention is arranged so as to provide substantially uniform braking action during the angular movement of the support members to assure accurate yand uniform till. The brake apparatus is best shown in FIGS. 2-9 and includes a stationary brake member or disk 110 mounted as by a bracket 111 on the stationary support frame. A rotary brake disk 112 overlies one face of the stationary disk 110 and a second stationary disk 113 is preferably provided at the side of the rotary disk 112 opposite the disk 110. In other words, the rotary disk is interposed between the stationary disks 110 and 113 and the stationary disk 113 is non-rotatably keyed to the disk 110 as by annularly spaced pins 114 carried by the disk 110 and which extends into notches 115 in the disk 113. The several disks are yieldably urged into frictional engagement by a spring 116 interposed between the disk 113 and an adjustable abutment 117. Provision is made for adjusting the braking action between the disks from externally of the housing and, as best shown in FIG. 9, a screw shaft 118 is non-rotatably anchored by a bracket 119 on the main frame, which screw shaft extends perpendicular to the brake disks and is conveniently supported at its other end on the stationary brake disk 110, as indicated at 121. A sprocket 122 is threaded on the shaft 118 and engages the pressure applying member 117 through a spacer 123. As the sprocket is rotated, it will advance axially in one direction or the other along the shaft 118 and increases the pressure applied to the spring. In order to Ifacilitate adjustment of the braking action from a convenient location externally of the machine, the sprocket 122 is connected as by a chain 124 to a sprocket 125 on a shaft 126. The shaft 126 is rotatably supported in the upper frame members 28 and has portions 127 projecting externally of the housing to enable rotation of the shaft 126 and hence adjustment of the braking action from outside the housing.

The levers 88 which carry the carton support mernbers 78` are operatively connected to the movable brake member 112, through a motion amplifying linkage. In particular, an elongated arm 128 is secured at its upper end to the levers 88 adjacent the pivot shaft 89. The arms 128 extend downwardly and are connected at the lower ends by a link 129 to the movable brake disk 112. One end of the link 129 is pivotally connected at 130 to the lower end of the lever and the other end of the link 129 is pivotally connected by a pivot pin 131 to the movable brake disk, which pivot pin 131 extends through an elon- 4gated slot 132 in the outer stationary disk 113, as is clearly shown in FIG. 7. Thus, the vertical swinging movement of the levers 88 during filling of the containers is transmitted through the arm 128 to the rotary disks 112 to turn the latter through an angle corresponding to the movement of the levers 88. The brake is adjustable to regulate the resistance to downward movement of the container support members and hence assists control of fill of the containers. The brake, however, is also useful during raising of the lifting members to aid in damping oscillation of the latter. As the empty container is elevated, it engages the cam faces 83 on the container supports 78 to cam the latter apart and, after the container is raised to a position above the support ledges 82, the supports are raised with the elevator. In order to prevent premature raising of the supports 78, that is before the empty container is raised to a position above the support ledges 82, provision is made for releasably holding the container support members and levers 88 in their lowered position. For this pur-pose, a permanent magnet member 133 is mounted on the arms 97 which move with the levers 88, and which permanent magnet member is arranged to engage a ferro-magnetic part 13321 on the stationary frame, to releasably hold the container support members in their lowered position.

The container support members 78 are raised when the elevator is moved to its raised position to support the elevated containers. For this purpose, a means such as an adjustable screw 136 is provided on the elevator arm 45 and arranged to engage a part such as the U-shaped bracket 81 which supports the container support members 78, to raise the container support members when the elevator moves an empty container into telescoping relation with the nozzle. As will be seen, the screw engages the bracket 81 as the elevator approaches its raised position and, preferably, the screw is adjusted so that the container support platform 41 on the elevator moves to a level only slightly higher than the level of the container support ledges 82 on the support members 78 before the screw engages the bracket 81. At that time, the support members can move inwardly into underlying relation with the container. The elevator continues its upward movement after the screw engages the bracket 81, and the container support apparatus moves upwardly with the elevator. The crank 55a on the one revolution clutch 51 positively drives the elevator dring raising and also during lowering and the upper position of the elevator is controlled by the crank and the length of the link 58 that connects the crank to the elevator. The link 58 is preferably adjustable las indicated at 58a to enable adjustment of the raised position of the elevator. The rate of vertical movement of the elevator decreases as the crank approaches its top dead center and then reverses. This reduces the tendency of the carton support members to bounce or oscillate after the elevator reaches its fully raised position.

The container elevating mechanism 17 is lowered before the container is completely filled at the nozzle to allow a succeeding container to move into position on the elevator. However, in order to positively assure that the elevating mechanism is lowered before the succeeding cycle of operation is initiated, a preferably mechanical interlock is provided for controlling downward movement of the container support members 78 until after the elevator has moved to its lowered posiiton. This interlock mechanism is best shown in FIGS. and l1 and includes a latch member 138 pivotally mounted by a bracket 139 on the main support frame Afor movement into and out of engagement with one of the levers 88 that carries the carton support members 78. The latch 138 is yieldably urged to a position underlying the support levers 88 by a spring 141 and a bell crank arm 142 is connected to the lever. A link 143 is pivotally attached to the bell crank arm 142 and extends downwardly through a guide 144 on the frame and terminates at its lower end in its laterally extending finger 145. The linger 145 is arranged to underlie the slide bracket 59 to be engaged by the latter as the slide is lowered to thereby move the latch 138 to its release position. Thus, as the elevator is raised, the latch 138 is released and is yieldably urged by the spring 141 to its latch position so as to positively lock the container support members against movement to a fully lowered position. However, as the elevator is lowered, the slide bracket 59 engages the linger and moves the latch to its release position shown in FIG. l0 so that the container support members can move downwardly.

The outlet transfer mechanism is of the endless conveyor type generally disclosed in the patent to Anderson 3,103,959. In general, the outlet conveyor includes an outlet `carton support 151 formed by spaced rails disposed at a level below the mouth of the nozzle approximately equal to the height of a container, and lateral carton guide members 152. The outlet carton support 151 is spaced above the support members 74 of the inlet conveyor a distance greater than the height of a container, and the support 151 is located so as to be approximately aligned with the carton support ledges 82 on the carton supports 78, when the top of the carton is disposed at the level of the lower end of the nozzle 16, to receive the filled carton as it is moved oft` the carton supports. The outlet transfer mechanism also includes a pair of endless type conveyors 154 disposed at opposite sides of the nozzle and each having one run of the conveyor extending generally horizontally and cross-wise of the nozble. The endless conveyors at each side of the nozzle are similarly constructed and like numerals are used to designate corresponding parts. The endless conveyors include drive shafts 155 and 15S mounted for rotation in upright bearing blocks 156 attached to the top 25 of the machine. Idler shafts 157 and 157 are mounted by brackets 158 attached to the yoke 31 and are positioned forwardly of the nozzle, as is clearly shown in FIG. 2. Drive sprockets 159 and 159 are mounted on the drive shafts 155 and 155 respectively and idler sprockets 161 and 161 are similarly mounted on the idler shafts 157 land 157. An endless chain 162 extends around the sprockets 159, 161 and a similar endless chain extends along the respective chains. The carton engaging iingers 163 are mounted on brackets 164 at spaced points along the respective chains. The cartons engaging iingers extend laterally of the endless conveyors and, project toward each other on the adjacent runs of the chains to engage a carton and move the same crosswise of the nozzle as the chains are advanced. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, guide rails 165 are conveniently provided to engage the brackets 164 and laterally support and guide the carton engaging fingers 163 as they move the container crosswise of the nozzle. The endless conveyors are intermittently advanced a distance corresponding to the spacing between adjacent carton engaging fingers 163 and the size of the sprockets 159 and 159 is selected so as to advance the chains thisdistance when the sprockets are rotated through one complete revolution. A drive mechanism including a one revolution clutch 168 is provided for operating the outlet transfer mechanism. As shown, the one revolution clutch has an input shaft 169 connected through a belt 170 to a drive motor 171. The outlet shaft 172 of the lone revolution clutch is connected through right angle gear drive 173 to one of the sprocket drive shafts 155. The clutch has a preferably electro-responsive actuator 175 (see FIG. l2) which is selectively operable to actuate the clutch 168 and drive the output shaft 172 through one revolution. The other endless conveyor is driven in unison with the conveyor 154, but in a relatively opposite direction by means of a chain 178 entrained over sprockets 179 and 180 on the shafts 155, 155', and over idler sprockets 181 and 182. The sprockets 179 and 180 have like diameters so that the conveyors 154 and 154 are advanced a like distance when the shaft 155 is rotated through one revolution, but the chain is arranged so that the drive sprockets 159, 159 are rotated in opposite directions to cause the adjacent runs of the conveyors to move in the same direction.

The carton engaging fingers 163 on the endless conveyors are disposed at a level to engage the trailing wall c of the filled container to move the same crosswise of the nozzle. An improved flap depressor mechanism is provided for depressing the cover f of the container downwardly after the container engaging fingers move below the cover. For this purpose, cover retaining fingers 185 are provided on the endless conveyors and are spaced rearwardly relative to the direction of movement of the conveyors from a respective one of the cartons engaging fingers 163. In the embodiment shown, the retaining fingers 185 comprise generally L-shaped members having one leg secured to the bracket 164 which mounts the carton engaging fingers 163 on the conveyor. The other leg of the L-shaped members 185 extends laterally of the conveyor at a point rearwardly of the respective carton engaging finger. The cover retaining fingers are preferably arranged to only engage the side fiaps g1 and g3 on cover f of the container and the lingers 185 thus extend laterally of their respective conveyor a distance substantially less than the container engaging fingers 163.

Apparatus is provided for depressing the covers downwardly below the cover retaining fingers 185. The cover depressor is conveniently in the form of a U-shaped member 191 which is pivotally mounted on trunnions 192 carried by stationary support brackets 193. The brackets 193 are conveniently secured to the yoke 31 which supports the n-ozzle and the cover depressing member 191 extends forwardly from the nozzle, as is clearly shown in FIG. 5. The cover depressing member is supported for verti- Cal swinging movement about the aXis of the trunnions 192 which is closely adjacent the front side of the nozzle 16 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and the web portion 191a of the U-shaped member 191 is shaped so as to only engage the cover portion f of the container so that the side flaps g1 and g3 can defiect laterally as the flap is depressed below the cover retaining fingers 135, as shown in FIG. 5. The fingers 185 are `disposed at a level below the top of the container and function to hold the cover in a depressed state during movement of the filled container crosswise of the nozzle to prevent the cover from striking material as it emerges from the nozzle. As the endless conveyors move around the drive sprockets 159 and 159', the container engaging fingers and the cover retaining fingers move laterally away from the container to release the container and cover.

Mechanism is provided vfor operating the cover depressor 191 in timed relation with the movement of the conveyor. As shown, an annular cam member 195 is provided on one of the drive sprockets 159 and a cam follower 196 is mounted for engagement with the cam 195 and is arranged to operate the cover depressor 191. The cam follower 196 is mounted on a bell crank 197 pivotally supported on a bracket 198 carried by the nozzle support yoke 31. The follower 196 is yieldably urged into engagement with the underside of the drive sprocket 155 by a spring 199 attached to the bell crank and to the nozzle support yoke. A link 201 is attached to the bell crank 197 and to an arm 202 connected to the cover depressing member 191. During filling of the container, the

conveyor 154 is stationary and the cover depressing member is in its raised position shown in FIG. 14. When the .one revolution clutch 168 is operated, the conveyor drive sprocket 159 is rotated through one revolution and advances a pair of carton engaging fingers below the raised flap and into engagement with the trailing side c of the carton at the nozzle. After the carton engaging fingers move below the raised ap, the cover depressing member 191 is operated to swing the cover f downwardly until the cover flaps g1 and g3 underlie the cover retaining fingers 185 on the conveyor. The retaining fingers then hold the cover in its depressed condition as the carton is moved crosswise of the nozzle to prevent the cover from striking the material emerging from the nozzle. The cam 195 is shaped so as to release the cover depressing member before the drive sprocket completes its revolution.

The cover f on the trailing side c of the container, when deflected at an angle to the plane of the trailing sidewall, functions to stiffen and reinforce the same so as to prevent excessive rbulging -or distortion during filling of the container. Apparatus is also provided for supporting the lead side of the container during filling to maintain the normal square conguration of the container and provides more accurate fill. A container support member 215 is mounted for movement into and out of engagement with the lead sidewall b of the container during filling of the same and, as shown, is supported for swinging movement on a shaft 216 mounted by brackets 217 on the nozzle support yoke 31. The container suppoit member 215 is also operated in timed relation with the outlet conveyor 20. For this purpose, one of the other sprockets such as 159 is provided with an annular cam 219 and a cam follower 220 is mounted to cooperate with the cam 219. The 4follower 220 is mounted on a bell crank 222 supported by a -bracket 223 on the nozzle support yoke and the follower 220 is yieldably urged into engagement with the annular cam 219 by a spring 224. A link 225 is connected to the bell crank 222 and to an arm 226 attached to the shaft 216. During filling, the outlet conveyor` 20 is at rest and the cam is arranged to disengage the follower 220 and allow the spring 224 to urge the side support member 215 into engagement with the lead side of the carton as shown in FIG. 14, to press the lead side against the nozzle during filling. When the one revolution clutch is operated to rotate the sprockets 159 and 159' through one revolution, the cam 219 actuates the follower 220 to swing the side support member 215 out of the path of movement Iof the lead side `of the carton before the conveyor begins movement of the carton crosswise of the nozzle.

The electrical controls for the filling machine are shown in FIG. l2. Powe-r is supplied to the elevator drive motor 53 and the conveyor drive motor 171 through conductors 251e253 and relay operated switch 254. The primary 255 of a transformer is connected by conductors 256 and 257 to a pair of wires 251 and 252. The secondary 258 of the transformer is connected through conductor 259 to a normally closed stop switch 260, which stop switch is connected in series through conductor 261 to a normally open start switch 262. The start switch is connected through conductor 263 to the relay solenoid 264 to energize the relay when the star-t switch is closed and thereby close the relay operated switches 254. A relay operated holding switch 265 is connected through conductors 266 in parallel with the start switch 262 and is arranged to :be closed when the relay is energized to thereby maintain a circuit through the relay operated switch 265, when the start switch is released and opens.

A switch mechanism 268 is provided for automatically operating the outlet conveyor clutch 168 when the container at the nozzle is filled. As shown in FIG.2, the switch 268 is mounted on the frame and positioned for engagement with the levers 88 of the carton support members 78. The switch 268 is of the normally open type and is adapted to be closed when the carton supports move down to a position in which the top of the container lon the carton supports is at the level of the lower end of the nozzle 16. The switch 268 is connected to the electroresponsive actuator such as the solenoid for the conveyor clutch 168 to energize the same when the carton is filled. However, in order to assure operation of the conveyor clutch at the proper time, the switch 268 is connected in series with several safety switches 271 and 272. Switch 271 is a switch responsive to the position of the elevator and, as shown in FIG. 10, is mounted for operation by the elevator when the latter moves to its fully lowered position. The switch 271 is of the normally open type and is closed when the elevator is lowered to complete the circuit to the solenoid 175. Switch 272 is of the normally closed type and, as shown in FIG. 7, is mounted lfor movement to its open position when the container support levers 88 are fully raised. As will be seen from FIG. l2, the

`switches 272, 268 and 271 are connected in series with each other through conductors 275, 276 and 277 and to the solenoid 175 of the conveyor clutch. In normal operal l tion, the elevator 17 will move to its fully lowered position to close switch 271 before the carton is filled and the arms 88 will move out of engagement with switch 272 to allow the same to close so that, when the container is filled, the arms 88 move down and close the switch 268 and complete the circuit to the clutch operating solenoid 175.

The elevator is operated in timed relation with the movement of the conveyor under the control of a switch 281. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the output shaft 172 of the conveyor drive clutch 168 has a cam 282 with an actuating lobe 282er. The cam 282 is rotated to one revolution each time the conveyor clutch is actuated and the lobe 282er operates to close the switch 281 after the conveyor starts its discharge movement. The timing of the cam 282 is preferably selected so as to close the switch 281 after the discharge conveyor has substantially moved the filled container away from the nozzle, and before the discharge conveyor has completed its movement. As shown in FIG. 12, the switch 281 is connected through conductors 284 and 285 to the electro-responsive actuator 56 for the elevator clutch 51. The elevator clutch then operates to drive the elevator to its fully raised position and back to its lowered position to elevate a succeeding empty container into telescoping relation with the nozzle. The speed at which the elevator motor operates to raise and lower the elevator is selected so as to assure return of the elevator to its lowered position before the container at the nozzle is completely filled.

The operational sequence of the machine is diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 14-16. The various parts are diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 14 in the position assumed when the container X1 at the nozzle has just been elevated. The elevator is retracted from its raised position shown in FIG. 14 before the container is filled,

and the container is supported on the supports 78 during filling. During filling `of the container the cover depressor 191 is raised and the side support member 215 engages and supports the lead side of the container in the manner shown in FIG. 14. The container moves downwardly as it is filled and when the container reaches a position in which its upper edge is spaced slightly below the nozzle 16 corresponding to its filled position, the switch 268 is operated to energize the clutch solenoid 175 and operates the one revolution clutch 168. As the shaft begins to rotate, the outlet transfer mechanism 20 begins to move the filled container designated X1 across the nozzle as shown in FIG. l5. Also, as the shaft 172 rotates, the cam lobe 28-2a operates the switch 281 to thereby actuate the elevator clutch 51. This moves a succeeding container designated X2 into position around the nozzle 16 as shown in FIG. 16. The one revolution clutch then operates to return the elevator to its lowered position before the succeeding container X2 is filled. The container support members 78 support the container during filling and allow it to move downwardly under the control of the counterbalance weight 98 and the brake mechanism 110-113. The latter can be adjusted from externally of the machine to enable accurate control of the material dispensed into each container, while the machine is operating.

As the outlet conveyor 20 moves the filled container crosswise yof the nozzle, the cover depressor member 191 is swung downwardly by the cam 195 to depress the cover flap below the cover retaining fingers 185 on the conveyors as shown in FIG. l5. In addition, the container support member 215 is moved outwardly away from the path of movement of the containers by the cam 219 as is also shown in FIG. 15.

I claim:

1. A container filling machine comprising, a nozzle having a downwardly facing Idischarge opening for dispensing a fluent material, a container lifting member positioned below said nozzle, lifting member elevating means including a one-revolution clutch mechanism having an output shaft, and means eccentrically connected to said output shaft and operative when the output shaft is rotated through one revolution for moving said lifting member from a lower position to a raised position to elevate a container to a position adjacent said nozzle and for thereafter lowering said lifting member back to said lower position, container support means engageable with a container when the latter is lifted for supporting the container when the lifting member is lowered, conveyor mean-s for moving an elevated container crosswise of the nozzle, means for operating said conveyor means when the container at the nozzle is filled to move the filled container out of position below the nozzle, and means for actuating said one-revolution clutch mechanism after the elevated container has been filled to rotate said output shaft through one revolution and elevate a succeeding container.

2. A container filling machine comprising, a nozzle having a `downwardly facing discharge opening for dispensing a fluent material, a container lifting member positioned below said nozzle, lifting member elevating means including a one-revolution clutch mechanism having an output shaft, and means eccentrically connected to said output shaft and operative when the output shaft is rotated through one revolution for moving said lifting member from a lower position to a raised position to elevate a Vcontainer to a position adjacent said nozzle and for thereafter lowering said lifting member back to said lower position, container support means engageable with a -container when the latter is lifted for supporting the container when the lifting member is lowered, conveyor means for moving an elevated container crosswise of the nozzle, means for operating said conveyor means when the container at the nozzle is filled to move the filled container out of position below the nozzle, and means for actuating said one-revolution clutch mechanism after the elevated container has been filled to rotate said output shaft through one revolution and elevate a succeeding container, and means operatively connected to said lifting member for damping downward movement of said lifting member.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein damping means includes a cylinder and a piston in said cylinder constructed and arranged to form a dashpot.

4. A container filling machine comprising, a nozzle having a ydownwardly facing discharge opening for discharging a fluent material, a container lifting member positioned below said nozzle, lifting member elevating means including a one-revolution clutch mechanism having an output shaft, `a crank eccentric to said output shaft and linkage means connecting said crank to said lifting member, said crank being operative when the output shaft is rotated through one revolution to move said lifting member from a lower position to `a raised position to elevate a container to a position adjacent said nozzle and to thereafter lower said lifting member back to said lower position, container support means engageable with a container when the latter `is elevated for supporting the container when the lifting member is lowered, conveyor means for moving an elevated container crosswise of the nozzle, means for operating said conveyor means when the container at the nozzle is filled to move the filled container out of position below the nozzle, and means for actuating lsaid one-revolution clutch in timed relation with the yoperation of said conveyor means.

5. An apparatus for filling cartons having a cover ap hinged to the upper end of the carton comprising, a nozzle having a downwardly opening discharge mouth, a lifting member for raising a carton into telescoping relation with the nozzle to be filled thereby, a horizontally movable conveyor means extending alongside the path of movement of the lifting member, carton engaging elements on said conveyor means extending laterally thereof for engaging a carton to move the same crosswise of the nozzle with the cover at the trailing side of the carton, cover retaining fingers on said conveyor means extending laterally thereof and spaced rearwardly from the carton engaging elements, cover depressing means mounted adjacent the nozzle for movement into and out of engagement with the cover of a carton at the nozzle to depress the latter below the cover retaining fingers on the conveyor means, and means for operating said conveyor means and said cover depressing means in timed relation to depress the cover on the carton below said cover retaining fingers after the carton engaging elements have moved past the cover depressing means.

6. An apparatus for filling cartons having a cover flap hinged to the lupper end of the carton comprising, a nozzle having a downwardly opening discharge mouth, a lifting member for raising a carton into telescoping relation with the nozzle to be filled thereby, a horizontally movable conveyor means extending alongside the path of movement of the lifting member, carton engaging elements on said conveyor means extending laterally thereof for engaging a carton to move the same crosswise of the nozzle with the cover at the trailing side of the carton, cover retaining fingers on said conveyor means extending laterally thereof and spaced rearwardly from the carton engaging elements, cover depressing means mounted adjacent the nozzle for movement into and out of engagement with the cover of a carton at the nozzle to depress the latter below the cover retaining lingers on the conveyor means, drive means for operating said conveyor means when the upper end of the carton reaches the level of the mouth of the nozzle to move a filled container crosswise of the nozzle, and cam operated means operatively connected to said drive means for moving said cover depressing means in timed relation with the movement of said conveyor means to depress the cover on the carton below the retaining fingers on the Conveyor after the carton engaging elements have moved past the cover depressing means.

7. An apparatus for filling cartons having a cover iiap hinged to the upper end of the cartons comprising, a nozzle having a downwardly opening discharge mouth, endless type conveyor means having a run movable crosswise of the nozzle at a level below the mouth of the nozzle for moving a carton crosswise of the nozzle, a plurality of carton engaging elements on the endless conveyor means extending laterally thereof for engaging a carton to move the same crosswise of the nozzle with the cover at the trailing side of the carton, a plurality of cover retaining lingers each spaced rearwardly relative to the direction of movement of the conveyor means from a respective carton engaging element, a cover depress-ing means mounted adjacent the nozzle for movement into and out of engagement with the cover of a carton at the nozzle to depress the latter below the cover retaining fingers on the conveyor means, and means for operating saidV conveyor means and said cover depressing means in timed relation to depress the cover on the carton below said cover retaining fingers after the carton engaging elements have moved past the cover depressing means.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said cover depressing means includes a member mounted for vertical swinging movement about a generally horizontal axis disposed transverse to the path of movement of said run of the conveyor means.

9. An apparatus for filling cartons having a cover flap hinged to the upper end of the cartons comprising, a nozzle having a downwardly opening discharge mouth, an endless type conveyor means including spaced sprockets and a chain extending around the sprockets and having a run movable crosswise of the nozzle at a level below the mouth of the nozzle, a plurality of carton engaging elements on the chain extending laterally thereof for engaging a carton to move the same crosswise of the nozzle with the cover at the trailing side of the carton, a plurality of cover retaining lingers cach spaced rearwardly relative to the direction of movement of said run from a respective carton engaging element, cover depressing means mounted adjacent the nozzle for movement into and out of eng-agement with the cover of a carton at the nozzle to depress the latter below thecover retaining fingers, drive means connected to one of said sprockets operative when the carton is filled for operating said conveyor means to move the filled carton crosswise of the nozzle, and operating means operatively connected to said drive means for operating said cover depressing means in timed relation with said conveyor means to depress the cover on the carton below said cover retaining fingers after the carton engaging elements have moved past the cover depressing means.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said operating means includes a cam on one of said sprockets, follower means engaging said cam and link means connecting said follower means to said cover depressing means.

11. The combination of claim 9 wherein said cove-r depressing means includes a member mounted for vertical swinging movement about a generally horizontal axis disposed transverse to said one run of said conveyor means.

12. An apparatus for filling containers of the type having lead and trail side walls, endwalls extending between said side walls and a cover hinged to the trail side for closing the top of the container, said apparatus including a support frame, a nozzle mounted on the frame and having a downwardly facing opening for discharging fiuent material, a container lifting member positioned below the nozzle, carton elevating means for moving the lifting member from a lower position to a raised position to elevate a container into partial telescoping relation with the nozzle, an endless type conveyor means having first and second pairs of sprockets at opposite sides of the nozzle and chains extending around the pairs of sprockets and each having a run movable along a path at a level below the mouth of the nozzle, a plurality of carton engaging elements on the chains extending laterally thereof for engaging a carton to move the same crosswise of the nozzle with the cover at the trailing side of the carton, a carton support member mounted on the frame for movement into and out of engagement with the lead side wall of the carton at the nozzle to support the lead side wall during filling, drive means including a one revolution clutch operatively connected to one of said sprockets for rotating the sprockets through one revolution to thereby move a filled container crosswise of the nozzle, means operated in timed relation with said conveyor means for operating the carton elevating means to elevate a succeeding container into registry with the nozzle after the conveyor means has moved the filled container away from the nozzle, and means including a cam connected for rotation with one of the sprockets for moving said carton support member out of engagement with the lead side wall of the carton when the filled carton is advanced by the conveyor means and for moving the support member into engagement with the lead side ofthe next succeeding carton when the latter is in partial telescoping relation with the nozzle.

13. The combination of claim 12 including a plurality of cover retaining lingers on the conveyor means each spaced rearwardly from a respective carton engaging element, cover depressing means mounted adjacent the nozzle for movement into and out of engagement with the cover of a carton at the nozzle to depress the latter below the cover retaining fingers, and means including a cam connected for rotation with one of the sprockets for operating said cover depressing means in timed relation with the movement of the conveyor means.

14. A container filling machine comprising, a nozzle having a downwardly facing discharge opening for dispensing a fluent material, a container lifting member positioned below the nozzle, lifting member elevating means including a first one-revolution clutch mechanism having an output shaft, and means eccentrically connected to said output shaft and operative when the output shaft is rotated through one revolution for moving said lifting member from a lower position to a raised position to elevate a container to a position adjacent the nozzle and for thereafter lowering the lifting member back to said lower position, container support means engageable with a container when the latter is lifted for supporting the container when the lifting member is lowered, conveyor means for moving an elevated container crosswise of the nozzle, conveyor drive means including a second onerevolution clutch having an output shaft rotatable through one revolution when the second clutch is operated, means for operating said second one-revolution clutch when thecontainer at the nozzle is filled, `and means responsive to the rotation of said output shaft through one revolution for operating said first one revolution clutch to elevate a succeeding container to the nozzle.

15. A container lling apparatus comprising, a support frame, a nozzle mounted on said frame and having a downwardly facing discharge opening for discharging a fluent material, a container lifting member, means for moving said lifting member from a lower position to a raised position to elevate a container into registry with the nozzle and for thereafter lowering the lifting member back to said lower position, container support means separate from said elevating means and engageable with said container when the latter is elevated for supporting the container when the lifting member is lowered, means mounting said container support means for limited vertical movement to permit the container to move downwardly as it is lilled by the nozzle, said mounting means including a lever mounted on said frame for pivotal movement in a vertical plane and having said container support means connected thereto, and brake means for retarding swinging movement of said lever, said brake means including a stationary brake disk connected to said frame and a rotary brake disk mounted for axial turning relative to said stationary disk, means operatively connecting said rotary disk to said lever for turning the rotary disk in response to vertical swinging movement of said lever, and adjustable means yieldably pressing said disks into frictional cntact to brake swinging movement of said lever.

16. The combination of claim 15 wherein said means connec-ting said rotary disk to said lever includes an arm attached to said lever and extending laterally therefrom, and a link connecting said arm to said rotary disk.

17. A lcontainer filling apparatus comprising, a support frame, a nozzle having a downwardly facing discharge opening for discharging a fluent material, a container lifting member positioned below said nozzle, means for moving said lifting member from a lower position to a raised position to elevate a container into registry with the nozzle and for thereafter lowering said lifting member back to said lower position, container support means separate from said elevating means and engageable with said container when the latter is elevated for supporting the con- -tainer when the lifting member is lowered, means mounting said container support means for limited vertical movement between an elevated position in which it supports a container in telescoping relation to the nozzle and a lower position in which it supports the container with the top of the container `adjacent the mouth of the nozzle, means for moving said support means to its elevated position when the lifting member is raised, and a permanent magnet connected to one of the items comprising the frame and the container support means for engagement with a ferromagnetic part on the other of the items for releasably holding said support means in one of the positions thereof.

18. A container illing apparatus comprising, a support frame, a nozzle mounted on the frame and having a downwardly facing discharge opening for discharging a fluent material, a container lifting member, elevating means for moving said lifting member from a lower position to a raised position to elevate a container into registry with the nozzle and for thereafter lowering the lifting member,

a container support member separate from said elevating means and engageable with a container when the latter is raised for supporting the container when the latter is lowered, means including a lever mounted on said frame for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis for mountling said support member for limited vertical movement to permit the container to move downwardly as it is filled, counterbalance means including an arm extending to one side of said horizontal axis and a weight movable along said arm for counteracting the weight of the lever and support member, and weight adjusting means including a member mounted for movement about said horizontal axis for adjusting said weight along the arm while the filling machine is in operation `and without interfering with free movement of the lever about said horizontal axis.

References Cited v UNITED STATES PATENTS LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

H. S. BELL, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE COMPRISING, A NOZZLE HAVING A DOWNWARDLY FACING DISCHARGE OPENING FOR DISPENSING A FLUENT MATERIAL, A CONTAINER LIFTING MEMBER POSITIONED BELOW SAID NOZZLE, LIFTING MEMBER ELEVATING MEANS INCLUDING A ONE-REVOLUTION CLUTCH MECHANISM HAVING AN OUTPUT SHAFT, AND MEANS ECCENTRICALLY CONNECTED TO SAID OUTPUT SHAFT AND OPERATIVE WHEN THE OUTPUT SHAFT IS ROTATED THROUGH ONE REVOLUTION FOR MOVING SAID LIFTING MEMBER FROM A LOWER POSITION TO A RAISED POSITION TO ELEVATE A CONTAINER TO A POSITION ADJACENT SAID NOZZLE AND FOR THEREAFTER LOWERING SAID LIFTING MEMBER BACK TO SAID LOWER POSITION, CONTAINER SUPPORT MEANS ENGAGEABLE WITH A CONTAINER WHEN THE LATTER IS LIFTED FOR SUPPORTING THE CONTAINER WHEN THE LIFTING MEMBER IS LOWERED, CONVEYOR MEANS FOR MOVING AN ELEVATED CONTAINER CROSSWISE OF THE NOZZLE, MEANS FOR OPERATING SAID CONVEYOR MEANS WHEN THE CONTAINER AT THE NOZZLE IS FILLED TO MOVE THE FILLED CONTAINER OUT OF POSITION BELOW THE NOZZLE, AND MEANS FOR ACTUATING SAID ONE-REVOLUTION CLUTCH MECHANISM AFTER THE ELEVATED CONTAINER HAS BEEN FILLED TO ROTATE SAID OUTPUT SHAFT THROUGH ONE REVOLUTION AND ELEVATE A SUCCEEDING CONTAINER. 